Learning As A Lifestyle – A Very Merry Christmas To Everyone

On December 12th, the Center for Lifelong Learning took a group to Franklin, Tennessee for the Dickens Festival. We arrived early – thank goodness – and were able to see most of the exhibits before the crowds arrived.

There were characters from Dickens’ novels dressed in costume everywhere. Constable Bob, Fagan and the Artful Dodger, Santa, Ebenezer Scrooge in his nightgown, Tiny Tim, and Mrs. Cratchit walked the streets and posed for pictures with visitors. More than 100 exhibits were filled with books, gift ideas, decorations, candies, pastries, and other treasures.

I spent a little time in the gift shops, a lot of time in the book stores, and enough time in the candy shops. There were peanut butter truffles, lots of fudges, fresh squeezed lemonade, and my favorite – old fashioned donuts, fried and dipped while you wait. MMMM good!

My traveling companions bought books signed by their authors, salsas, and yard decorations. All of us had a great time and thought the trip was well worth the effort. If you get a chance, you should go next year.

As you probably know if you read this column, the Center goes on four or five trips a year. Some are local like the Dickens trip, which was only a day. In March 2016, we will be returning to Franklin for a Glass Blowing Class. Participants will attend the Glassblowing Studio and learn how to blow ornaments, paper weights, or cups. We will have lunch in Franklin before heading home. This trip is scheduled for March 22nd. We will leave at 8:00am and return about 4:00pm. The fee is only $99, which includes your class fee, transportation, and materials for the glass project. You can make your reservation by calling 256-233-8260 or register on our website – www.athens.edu/CLL.

Some are overnight – like the Savannah trip we took in March. In 2016, we will be going to the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia in April and we will go to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in October. Watch for details on the website, or call us at 256-233-8260.

Some are international trips. We will be going to Israel in November 2016. If you have ever thought about going to Israel, now is the time to do it. Our group will be traveling with a local guide to keep us out of trouble. It is the opportunity of a lifetime if you can go. The tour is reasonably priced with round-trip air from Metro Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. The fee includes airfare, fee and surcharges, hotels, and 15 meals – 7 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 7 dinners. If you think you might be interested, even if you are not sure – come to the Israel Presentation on Tuesday, January 12 at 5:30pm. Lots of your questions will be answered and you will get more information about the trip. Call Wanda Campbell at 256-233-8262 for more information about this trip.

On Thursday, December 17, the offices of the Center will close for the holidays. We will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2016 for regular office hours. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

While we are gone, Square Clock Coffee will be open for coffee and lunches. Be sure to stop by for a great cup of coffee or a soup and sandwich.
By: Wanda Campbell
Center for Lifelong Learning – 121 South Marion Street, Athens, AL 35611 – 256-233-8262